Forward: Accessorizing Outside of Clothing

Exploring the creation and curation of style beyond clothes

As an independent magazine whose purpose is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Alberta and the rest of Canada’s hidden fashion scene, you might think it a bit intriguing, if not downright sacrilegious, to say that we’re interested in exploring style outside of just clothes. One could argue that our clothes are the basis of our outfits, of our fashion. And of course, fashion is ran and dictated by the clothes we design, wear, and purchase. None of that is anything that we would deny, not that we have any reason to. However, clothes are just one aspect of style. 

There are many different definitions and variations on what the word ‘style’ might mean. In a colloquial sense, it can mean the overall composition of an outfit. Some have said that there’s a difference between being able to buy clothes and having style- here, the definition refers more to an innate sense of putting together different clothes, accessories, and more to create a look that is inherently your own alone. Others still would use the word as a synonym to having good taste. And still for many, it refers to the usage of fashion to express and communicate your own individual identity.

In a world where the connected wealthy and privileged can have celebrity stylists pull looks straight from the runway and guarantee their clients will always look stunning, it can be hard to keep up! And for many who want to start using fashion as self-expression, it can often feel as though one has to keep buying every single recommended item that suits the look or aesthetic you want. 

The first start to getting rid of that mindset is to slow down, and do more research. When you start to see a new style you’re in love with, take a look outside of the clothes to see what else you love about it. Is it the way people with that style do their hair or their makeup? Is there certain jewellery, bags, or shoes that are quintessential to the look? Not only can looking into the various accessories that make up an outfit be incredibly fun, but it can be a small, slow way into exploring different styles while still working with the clothes you still have. It also forces you to be creative and to think outside of the box.

There are many different areas outside of clothes that you can use to express your own style and explore it that the Issue Magazine will be writing about in this new column. We’ll be covering anything and everything outside of clothes that lends to style, and helping you find new inspirations for your own personal style as well. From perfume to makeup to hairstyles and more, we’ll be covering everything fashion outside of clothes. Let us know in the comments what you’d want to see, and stay tuned.